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Compressed Earth Walls and Vertical Gardens in a Sustainable Family Residence

Author:
Karl-heinz Pfefferer
Compressed Earth Walls and Vertical Gardens in a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing compressed earth walls and vertical gardens, this sustainable family residence emphasizes environmental integration while providing a functional living space designed for community engagement and privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes compressed earth walls to enhance thermal performance and reduce carbon footprint.
02
Features vertical gardens that improve air quality and provide insulation.
03
Incorporates adjustable green balconies for personalized outdoor living spaces.
04
Employs a hybrid wood-clay slab system to minimize concrete usage.
05
Integrates advanced natural ventilation strategies to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling.

### Project Overview
The House of the Future, located in Dubai, features a contemporary design that aims to integrate modern architectural aesthetics with advanced sustainability practices. Rooted in the climatic and cultural context of the region, the project prioritizes energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact through the careful selection of materials and design strategies.

### Spatial Organization
The house is organized across three levels, with the ground floor designed to encourage interaction and community engagement. A central courtyard serves as a vital connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, while the living, dining, and kitchen areas harmoniously transition into landscaped terraces. The second and third levels provide private retreats, with each bedroom offering access to personal terraces and gardens, fostering an experience of nature.

Vertical gardens are incorporated to enhance visual appeal and contribute to improved air quality and natural insulation. This thoughtful spatial arrangement reflects considerations for both communal living and personal privacy.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The project's material strategy emphasizes durability and environmental responsibility. Key materials include concrete for its thermal mass capabilities, wood-clay hybrid slabs that reduce concrete usage, and extensive glass elements that facilitate natural light. Solar panels are installed on the roof and shading devices to supplement energy needs, while softwood fiberboard insulation mitigates heat gain.

Sustainability initiatives are a focal point, with features such as water conservation through reduced concrete use, energy generation from solar panels and wind turbines, and natural ventilation strategies designed to enhance airflow and diminish reliance on mechanical cooling. The design also incorporates greywater recycling systems for irrigation, showcasing a commitment to resource efficiency.

### Cultural Integration
The design reflects traditional Arabic architectural elements through the use of local materials and ornamentation, blending cultural heritage with contemporary living standards. This approach not only enriches the aesthetic quality of the residence but also addresses societal values, ensuring a balance between modern convenience and traditional customs. The integration of spaces for privacy and community underscores the project's alignment with local cultural practices. Unique elements such as an indoor garden that spans multiple levels and adjustable green balconies further enhance the living experience while promoting well-being and personalization.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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